Chronicle joins Team Vitality for 2026 VCT Season

Team Vitality has announced the signing of Timofey "Chronicle" Khromov for the upcoming 2026 VCT season. The move, confirmed simultaneously by both the player and the organization on X, has generated immense buzz across the EMEA VALORANT scene. Chronicle, one of the game’s most decorated players and a three-time international champion, now takes on a new challenge as he dons the yellow and black jersey of the French powerhouse.

A Legendary Tenure with Fnatic

Chronicle’s journey with Fnatic began in November 2022, following the disbandment of Gambit Esports. His arrival marked the beginning of one of the most dominant eras in EMEA VALORANT history. Under Fnatic’s banner, Chronicle quickly made his mark, helping the team clinch back-to-back international titles, first at VCT 2023 - LOCK//IN, and then at VCT 2023 - Masters Tokyo later that year.

The Russian star continued to shine throughout 2024 as Fnatic conquered both VCT 2024 - EMEA Stage 1 and VCT 2024 - EMEA Stage 2, achieving regional supremacy. However, the year’s international campaigns were underwhelming by their standards, with Fnatic falling short at international events.

Despite these setbacks, Chronicle’s steady presence and versatility made him a cornerstone of the roster, earning widespread respect for his composure and clutch potential in high-pressure matches.

Fnatic’s 2025: So Close Yet So Far

Fnatic’s 2025 season was defined by both success and heartbreak. The team started strong, clinching yet another regional title at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Stage 1, and continuing to demonstrate their trademark discipline and strategy. Yet as the season unfolded, Fnatic couldn’t quite finish the job on the international stage.

They secured runner-up finishes at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Toronto 2025, the EWC VALORANT - Esports World Cup 2025, and ultimately VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions – the final series ending in a dramatic loss to NRG. The result marked NRG’s first international title and Fnatic’s third consecutive silver medal, closing what many fans now describe as the end of their golden era. Chronicle’s departure represents the first domino to fall in what could be a broader restructuring of Fnatic’s once-invincible core.

Vitality’s Pursuit of Glory

For Team Vitality, Chronicle’s signing signals a bold step toward redemption after a turbulent 2025 campaign. The team began last season on a high by winning the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Kickoff, but their momentum quickly faded. Disappointing results at VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025 and inconsistent domestic performances saw them slip from contention repeatedly, struggling to maintain form throughout major tournaments.

Bringing in Chronicle provides Vitality with experience and championship pedigree, adding stability to the roster. And with rumors swirling around Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen potentially joining, it would spark a superteam revival reminiscent of their 2025 rebuild, where they brought in another Fnatic superstar, with Nikita "Derke" Sirmitev.

Chronicle’s transfer is one of the key roster moves of the 2026 offseason. While it signals the end of an era for Fnatic, it heralds a fresh start for Vitality, hoping to claim international prominence.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games